John Carlton Knotts, President of J Carlton Shoes (formerly known as Knotts Shoes), at his store in Westport Village in Louisville, KY. March 13, 2014

Louisville native John Carlton Knotts is president of J Carlton Shoes (formerly known as Knotts Shoes), Westport Village, 1201 Herr Lane, (502) 290-4344, jcarltonshoes@gmail.com or jcarltonshoes.com. He has a business degree from the University of Louisville and a certification in pedorthics from Ball State University.

Beginning: "My dad started Knotts Shoes in 1951 on Walnut Street and I joined in as soon as I was old enough to sweep the floors. I worked over the years doing every job imaginable and, yes, this has been my life too. When we moved the store to Westport Village in 2011, it had such a fresh, new look to it - and we started carrying some great new brands - it just seemed like the timing was right to update the store name too. We have a long relationship with the people of this town, but I think there was also a perception out there that a comfort shoe store can be limited in what it offers. I wanted to dispel that notion with a new look and name. The store name is a nod to my dad, whose name was Carlton."

Specialization: "We specialize in personal customer service. When someone comes in they sit down, we measure both feet and help them select the best brands and styles for their foot style. We also offer a computerized foot analysis that can help quite a bit with understanding a customer's footwear needs. Many doctors send their patients to us because they know we know what we're doing."

Hands-on: "I spend some time each week with my manufacturers' reps, seeing what's new and placing orders. I'm a hands-on type of owner in that I know my business like I expect my sales associates to know it. I keep in touch with the docs, and let them know about new products. Several times a year, I travel to the shows to see what's coming up the next season."

Style: "Many people are hesitant to peruse anything but a department store because they think that comfortable shoes can't be fun or fashionable - and that's flat out wrong. There are many brands that have a lot to offer in their styling. Another misconception is that just because they can buy their shoes online, they'll save money. That might be the case with discontinued styles, but current season styles are the same price online or at your local retailer; the manufacturer sets the lowest retail price a retailer can go to level the playing field."